Freshened Up Leftover Rice Recipe

Transform leftover rice into a vibrant and flavorful side dish in just 20 minutes! This recipe is perfect for complementing grilled salmon or enjoying as a light and zesty vegan meal. The fresh herbs add a burst of freshness, while the lemon brightens the entire dish. Customize it with your favorite mild herbs like dill, parsley, cilantro, or chives. A perfect way to reduce food waste and elevate your weeknight dinner!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 406.5 kcal
Protein 13g
Rating 4.0 (2 Reviews)
Freshened Up Leftover Rice 25

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Freshened Up Leftover Rice

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How to Make Freshened Up Leftover Rice

  1. Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
  2. In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter (or olive oil for vegan option) over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until softened.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked leftover rice, the zest of 1 lemon, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the rice mixture to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, cilantro, or chives – or a combination!).
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice or oil/butter if desired for extra flavor and moisture.
  7. Serve immediately as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite protein or as a standalone side dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

1 g

Sugar

1g

Fat

19g

Carbs

26g